Lake County Gazette

City of Highwood Committee of the Whole met November 7.

Here is the minutes as provided by the committee:

Call to Order by Mayor Pecaro at 6:05 p.m.

     1. Roll Call 

Present: Mayor Pecaro, Aldermen: Falberg, Hospodarsky, Fiore, Peterson, Slavin, Alderman Grice arrived at 6:20 p.m. 

Also Present: City Manager Coren, City Attorney Ferolo, Treasurer Gonzalez, Administrative Assistant Litjens, City Clerk Baruffi

     2. Public Hearing - None

     3. Review of Minutes to be Approved

          3.1. City Council: October 17, 2017 

Alderman Hospodarsky noted on 12.3 a small correction regarding the wording.

          3.2. Committee of the Whole: October 17, 2017 

Both sets of minutes will be approved at the Regular City Council Meeting with the correction on the Regular City Council Minutes from October 17, 2017.

     4. Appointments (Mayor Pecaro) 

Diane Joren and Barbara Cizek will be appointed to the Library Board at the City Council Meeting this evening.

     5. Review of Bill Warrant List

          5.1. 11/07/2017 AP Warrant List 

City Manager clarified there are two items on the warrant list one the painting of the fire hydrants which is under Capital Projects, the other the planting of the trees, which all but 2 have been planted. The leak detection by M.E. Simpson was questioned, but it turned out the leak was a service line, which is reimbursable. The number of participants for NSSRA was also questioned. The parking meters will be installed this week with a scheduled start date of December 1, 2017.

     6. Unfinished Business - None

     7. New Business

          7.1. A Discussion on the August 2017 Treasurer’s Report. 

City Treasurer Gonzalez reviewed the August 2017 Treasurer’s Report.

          7.2. A Discussion on the September 2017 Treasurer’s Report. 

City Treasurer Gonzalez reviewed the September 2017 Treasurer’s Report. It was noted the Senate Bill 851, Property Tax Bill Freeze would affect the City of Highwood.

          7.3. Consideration of a Resolution Approving Adaptive Re-use Concept for the Old

                  Highwood Fire Station (428 Green Bay Road). 

Michael Hudac-Koenitz presented himself for possible questions or concerns. Council reviewed the drawing presented as well as the materials for the outside seating area. Michael mentioned he would like to bring back the commemorative plaques the Highwood Historical Society currently possesses, and would return to them upon sale of building in the future.

          7.4. Consideration of a Resolution Approving Door and Window Signs for the “Fitness for

                 Active Adults” Fitness Center (742 Sheridan Road, Unit No. 4). 

Audrey Clamage, owner of Fitness for Active Adults, stated on November 25, 2017, a Grand Opening is scheduled. This marks their 9th year in business. The signage was approved by ARC as well as the Council.

          7.5. A Presentation on the FYE 2017 Audit by BKD, LLP. 

John Cutera, of BKD, LLP, presented an overview of the audit. The basic audit may be viewed on the City website.

          7.6. Consideration of a Resolution Waiving Competitive Bidding and Directing the City Manager to Enter                    into a Contract with Peter Baker & Son, Co. to Repair the Library Parking Lot in an Amount Not to                          Exceed $90,000. 

City Manager Coren stated the church has provided the first $40,000.00 payment toward the repaving of the church parking lot.

          7.7. Consideration of a Motion Agreeing to an Amended Fee Structure for Klein, Thorpe

                 & Jenkins Legal Fees. 

The Council was in agreement with the raise of approximately 2%, or $5.00 more per service.

          7.8. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending 10-5-1: County Regulations Adopted in the Highwood City                    Code to Update the Adoption of the Lake County Development Ordinance. 

The Council will pass the ordinance at the Council Meeting this evening.

          7.9. Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Request from the PGA Tour to Use the Entrance to                                 Exmoor Country Club on Michigan Avenue as the Main Gate for the 2018 Senior Players                                      Championship. 

City Manager clarified the PGA will pay for the Police overtime and any additional signage required. The tournament is scheduled for July 9-15, 2018. The main parking lot will be at Highland Park High School, with persons being bussed to the event. There will be an uber area drop off. It was suggested to get the Chamber of Commerce involved with the PGA event for advertising of the City of Highwood. Note: Alderman Slavin left at       7:10 and returned at 7:11 P.M.

Additional Items:

     1.) City Hall Site:

          a. There are a couple local property owners involved with the possible sale of property.

           b. In the past, it was agreed to no more than 6 stories, possible a 7 story building to be considered with                     possible set back of the 7th story. Multiple suggestions were discussed regarding the TIF monies or                      the City issuing bonds, or to tie the performance to the TIF incentives. 

     2.) Rental Ordinance

          a. There will be a draft ordinance to review at the next meeting.

     8. Executive Session (If Necessary)

     9. Any Action Necessary Coming Out of Executive Session

     10. Adjournment Moved by Alderman Peterson, seconded by Alderman Fiore to adjourn the

             meeting. All present voting aye, by voice vote, motion carried. Mayor Pecaro adjourned the meeting at                 7:35 p.m.

http://www.cityofhighwood.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11072017-556